Definition
A senior aircraft maintenance technician assigned responsibility for the airworthiness, servicing, and overall mechanical condition of a specific aircraft. The crew chief supervises and coordinates the work of other mechanics performing inspections, repairs, and routine maintenance on that aircraft, and signs off the aircraft as ready for flight.
Plain English
The lead mechanic in charge of looking after one particular aircraft. They make sure it is properly maintained, oversee any work being done on it, and confirm it is fit to fly.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance, flight-line operations, and conversations about who is responsible for the condition of a specific aircraft.
Derivation
From 'crew' (the team of mechanics working on the aircraft) and 'chief' (the person in charge). The term reflects the role: the head of the maintenance crew responsible for one aircraft.
Why Pilots Care
The crew chief's inspection and sign-off directly determine whether the aircraft is safe for flight.
Intuition Check
Do not assume crew chief means the pilot in command or the leader of the flight crew. In this context, it means the lead person responsible for the maintenance crew and the aircraft work.
Example Sentence 1
Before the flight, the pilot walked over to the crew chief to ask about the engine work that had been done that morning.
Example Sentence 2
After the overnight flight, the crew chief assigned the team to complete the required inspections and refueling.